Postdoctoral Researcher in Heritage science

The School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg (HEIA-FR), a member institution of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), invites applications, for its Department of Chemistry. 

Mission and Scope of Activities

The proposed research project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, as part of the interdisciplinary Ambizione project (FNS: PZ00P2_216127), entitled " The when and the where of colour: tailored radiocarbon and stable isotope analysis of natural organic dyes and pigments in cultural heritage objects". The novelty of this project is to develop metrics for assessing the origin of an artwork founded on the principles that i) the carbon backbone of natural organic dyes stores a wealth of information regarding its source and origin and ii) this information may be retrieved by capitalizing on compound specific analysis as opposed to bulk sample analysis. Within the project team, as a postdoctoral researcher your research will focus on how variations in stable isotope composition (δ13C, δ18O and δD) in specific plant species relate to their geographical regions of growth. The overreaching goal of this project is to pioneer the development of compound specific isotopic

analysis approaches tailored to the needs of heritage science. Working with doctoral researcher, you will leverage your combined expertise in compound specific radiocarbon and stable isotope analysis and investigate case studies in collaboration with different heritage institutions worldwide.

Your profile

• Experience and/or strong interest in heritage science
• Proactive researcher capable of taking the lead in organizing, planning and executing a research project
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving mindset
• A taste for teamwork and multidisciplinary environments
• Excellent communicator, able to present complex research to individuals with varying levels of understanding
• a PhD degree in chemistry or conservation science, with experience in analytical chemistry
• Experience in stable isotope analysis, chemometrics, data processing and analysis is a plus
• Proficiency in spoken and written English. A good level in German and French is an advantage as you will have to work in different institutions within Switzerland 
   

Additional information

• Full-time employment as a postdoctoral researcher for a period of 2.5 years
• Activity rate: 80-100 %
• The HEIA-FR is committed to an equal opportunity recruitment policy.
• For details, contact: Dr. Laura Hendriks, laura.hendriks@hefr.ch
• Job starting date: April 2025 at the earliest
• Application deadline : 2 February 2025

Interested ?

Interested? Send in your complete application (CV including a list of publications. When detailing your educational background and work experience, please provide specific months (not just years). A cover letter (maximum 2 pages), copies of diplomas and transcript of records and, contact information for two references who can submit letters of recommendation on your behalf).